Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Podcast listeners can get a $10 discount to NAFI memberships by using Discount Code: POD49

This episode is sponsored by: Lightspeed Aviation

Learn more about the NAFI Exclusive Benefit combining the Trade Up Program and the CFI/Pro Pilot Program

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Jason Depew joins this episode of More Right Rudder for an engaging discussion on gliders. We start the basics of how to obtain your glider ratings. From there you'll learn how you learning how to fly a glider will benefit your customers, rope breaks, and different types of gliders. We wrap up with a fun overview of the social slide of gliding. Check out these great resources Jason shares with our listeners: 

https://www.ssa.org/ - the SSA is the NAFI/AOPA/EAA of soaring. https://www.ssa.org/where-to-fly-map/ - This is the SSA's directory of glider operations in the US. It's the best way to find a nearby place to fly gliders. https://www.ssa.org/soaring-scholarships/ - The next best resource on the SSA website is their list of scholarships. https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/glider_handbook - The FAA's Glider Flying Handbook is a free PDF that goes nicely on an iPad and contains most of the knowledge a pilot needs to pass their checkride.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Podcast listeners can get a $10 discount to NAFI memberships by using Discount Code: POD49

This episode is sponsored by: AOPA

Learn more about their advocacy, education, and promotion of general aviation by clicking this link to their website.

 

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In this episode, we are joined by Anthony Ison of The Ison Law Firm and the Pilot Lawyer Podcast. Anthony has been involved in aviation from a young age, is a private pilot, and is now an attorney specializing in aviation medical law. This discussion includes a range of topics from best practices for CFIs guiding their customers into the medical application process to understanding the benefits of using quality sources of medical information. As a reminder, this discussion is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal or medical advice from any entity.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Podcast listeners can get a $10 discount to NAFI memberships by using Discount Code: POD49

This episode is sponsored by: Avemco Insurance Company

Learn more about the NAFI CFI Insurance Plan

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In this enlightening conversation, we talk to Gita Brown, a soloed pilot, classical musician, and yoga instructor, about the unique connections between aviation, music, and the art of yoga. Get ready to explore the correlations and discover valuable tips CFIs can incorporate into their flight training programs.

Gita Brown is a writer, musician, pilot, and yoga educator from Massachusetts.  head-shot-serious-34.jpg

Gita’s writing has been featured in the Boston Globe, Integral Yoga Magazine, The Fix, and many other publications. She is an Integral Yoga Advanced Yoga teacher, and a licensed practitioner in Yoga for the Special Child®. For two decades she has been dedicated to making yoga accessible to people of all ages and abilities. In addition, she is a teaching artist and provides clarinet lessons to clarinetists of all ages.

Mrs. Brown has degrees in music performance from the Eastman School of Music and the University of Michigan. In addition, she has a degree from Alverno College in music therapy. Mrs. Brown is also a certified Integral Yoga instructor-500 hours, and a  Licensed Practitioner in Yoga for the Special Child®.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Podcast listeners can get a $10 discount to NAFI memberships by using Discount Code: POD49

This episode is sponsored by: Avemco Insurance Company

Learn more about the NAFI CFI Insurance Plan

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Now more than ever, the aviation industry needs flight instructors to conduct themselves as aviation educators. As the training pipeline accelerates and quality of instruction suffers in measurable ways, a cultural shift is required in how we view the profession, how we mentor new instructors, and how we conduct ourselves with and around students. "Good enough" isn't really good enough, and leaves little to no margin for safety or performance. Join career aviation educator Jason Archer for a solution-oriented discussion about how we can improve the culture of flight instruction by combating professional apathy, one instructor, and one interaction at a time.

Earn FAA Wings Credit for listening: Click Here

 

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Podcast listeners can get a $10 discount to NAFI memberships by using Discount Code: POD49

This episode is sponsored by: Avemco Insurance Company

Learn more about the NAFI CFI Insurance Plan

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In this episode of Writers Behind the Stories, we meet Steve Rutland, prolific writer for NAFI's Mentor Magazine and 11 time NAFI Master Instructor. Podcast host Beth Stanton engages Steve in an in-depth conversation about his fruitful career, pilot training experiences, and the evolution of the aviation industry.

From his military to civilian rotor-craft and fixed-wing instruction experience, Steve's fascinating life offers a wealth of knowledge. Listen to his unique trials and tribulations, lessons drawn from half a century in the air, and a constant quest for excellence in flight instruction.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Podcast listeners can get a $10 discount to NAFI memberships by using Discount Code: POD49

This episode is sponsored by: Avemco Insurance Company

Learn more about the NAFI CFI Insurance Plan

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Earn FAA Wings Credits for Listening: Click Here to take the Wings Quiz

Flight instructors love aviation, and are fortunate to work in a field that elicits such passion. However, it's not enough to be content experts. Upper-tier aviation educators are just as passionate about growing and evolving as excellent teachers as they are pilots. Join flight school owner, university adjunct lecturer, and 4-time Master Flight Instructor Aaron Dabney as he highlights some of his top teaching lessons learned from his first decade in this profession. He'll also outline tips for sharing these strategies and tactics with newer instructors to help them be better, earlier.

 

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Podcast listeners can get a $10 discount to NAFI memberships by using Discount Code: POD49

 

To Purchase Jeff's Book Visit: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Air-Flight-Club-Yourself/dp/B08RLBYJFJ

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Today's featured guest, is Jeff Jorgenson, award winning author and founder of Open Air Flight Club shares first-hand accounts of surviving a gyroplane crash. The discussions delve into the mostly-underestimated aspects of emergency flight situations and crash survival.

In the chaos following the crash, Jeff shares how he dealt with various authorities, insurance companies, and pressing questions from the media.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Podcast listeners can get a $10 discount to NAFI memberships by using Discount Code: POD49

Visit Airdocs: https://www.airdocs.net/

This episode is sponsored by: Sporty's

Embark on an exciting journey with Sporty's this February! Join them in celebrating IFR Month, a thrilling four-week exploration of the challenges and rewards of instrument flying.

Go to Sportys.com/IFR to learn more

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In this episode we talk to Dr. Gregory Pinnell of Airdocs about the importance of CFIs discussing pilot medicals early on in their students' training. By doing so, students will be better equipped to make informed decisions about their aviation career, understand the potential roadblocks and training delays they may face, and be proactive in any medical concerns that arise.

 

Dr. Gregory Pinnell is president of Airdocs Aeromedical Support Services, a multi-specialty group providing a variety of services to the aviation community. He has 23 years of aviation medicine experience and has been a pilot for 42 years.

He is a Family Practice Physician and Senior Aviation Medical Examiner in Michigan.   He served as a Chief Flight Surgeon and Commander for the 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana. He also served as Deputy Chief of Bioastronautics for Human Spaceflight Support at Patrick AFB working 23 Space Shuttle missions plus Soyuz support.

He serves as an adjunct professor teaching Aviation Physiology and Human Factors at Western Michigan University College of Aviation.  He is a board member for Civil Aviation Medical Association (CAMA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and AME Consultant to the Federal Air Surgeon.

 

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Podcast listeners can get a $10 discount to NAFI memberships (new and renewing) by using Discount Code: POD49

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Curious to know what it's like to create weekly written content for NAFI publications? In this episode, NAFI Editor Beth Stanton and Chair Emeritus Bob Meder share their personal journeys in battling impostor syndrome while producing compelling content. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the dedication and effort that goes into delivering high-quality written material. Discover invaluable tips and tricks to overcome self-doubt and excel in your work!

 

Robert “Bob” Meder completed his initial flight training in 1995 and earned his CFI in 2006. He went on to add single-engine and multi-engine instrument certificates. Recently he retired from a 40+ year career at a major railroad as the Director of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). While in this position, he worked directly with the FAA on regulatory issues for Drones and critical infrastructure companies. During this time, he continued to instruct.

 

Bob has over 6,000 hours of dual instruction and enjoys training new flight instructors, challenging them to recognize the distinction between skill and critical thinking. He emphasizes that superior risk management, not just skill, is the key to safe flight training. He is a FAASTeam Lead Rep at the St Louis FSDO and was honored as the district and regional flight instructor of the year in 2009 and 2010. After nearly ten years as chair, Bob currently serves as Chair Emeritus on the NAFI board of directors.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Podcast listeners can get a $10 discount to NAFI memberships by using Discount Code: POD49

Visit Wingman Med: https://wingmanmed.com/

NAFI Member's 20% off Medical Consultations: Click here for details!

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In this episode we talk to Dr. Keith Roxo of Wingman Med about how the FAA views pilots purely by the information they submit and how to avoid possible disqualifying pitfalls.

 

Did you miss part 1 of this discussion? Listen Here

Don't miss part 3 of this series during Keith's NAFI MentorLIVE Presentation January 17th!

 

Dr. Keith Roxo is a TOPGUN trained adversary pilot turned Aerospace Medicine physician with over 2000 hours in high performance aircraft including the F/A-18, F-16 and F-5. He holds multiple military flight instructor qualifications, an airline transport pilot certificate and CFII. He is board certified in Aerospace and Occupational medicine and is a FAA Senior HIMS AME. Keith provides aviation medical consulting with Wingman Med.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Scholarship Information: Apply Now!

 

The NAFI/King Schools scholarship deadline is approaching on the 4th of January. Listen for information on the scholarship, how to apply, and a special thanks to King Schools for such a great program!

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Donate to the NAFI Annual Fund: Click Here

 

In this special podcast, we gather to celebrate the conclusion of an eventful year - 2023 - and reflect on NAFI's incredible milestones. Join us as we express our gratitude towards our dynamic team, who tirelessly worked towards our mission. We also extend our sincere thanks to our amazing members, generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and loyal listeners for being the pillars of our success.

Together, we've made a difference, and we can't wait to share our gratitude with you!

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Podcast listeners can get a $10 discount to NAFI memberships by using Discount Code: POD49

This episode is sponsored by: Sporty's

Learn more about the NAFI member discount at Sporty's on our Member's Discount page.

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In this episode of Writers Behind the Stories, NAFI Publications Director Beth Stanton is joined by neurologist and aircraft health researcher Dr. Billy Hoffman. He is an affiliated assistant professor of aviation at the University of North Dakota John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Science. Additionally, he is an internationally invited speaker and writer on pilot health behavior and leads the Aerospace Medical Association Mental Health Research Subgroup. All of Dr. Hoffman's view expressed in this podcast are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any other organization.

-Mental Health & Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee Recommendation Report, April 1, 2024   https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/Mental_Health_ARC_Final_Report_RELEASED.pdf   -Revised FAA guidance to AMEs on "uncomplicated anxiety, depression, and related conditions." May 29, 2024   https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/media/Anxiety_Depression_Disposition_Table.pdf

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

 

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In this episode NAFI Editor Beth Stanton interviews Fred Stahl, PhD to share his valuable insights from years of experience in the flight training industry, including his views on the importance of becoming an Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) and what drives him to contribute to NAFI Mentor Magazine.

 

Fred Stahl, Ph.D., began instructing pilots in 1992. He has worked both independently and at flight schools and has taught aviation ground school courses in various setting. From 2016 to 2018 Stahl was chief flight instructor at AOPA where he managed the organization's in house flight training and pilot proficiency programs. He resides in Frederick, Maryland.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Visit Wingman Med: https://wingmanmed.com/

NAFI Member's 20% off Medical Consultations: Click here for details!

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In this episode we talk to Dr. Keith Roxo of Wingman Med about the importance of pilots having a good doctor, and how to utilize them and other resources to properly prepare for their pilot medical to achieve a successful outcome.

 

Don't Miss part two of this discussion January 9th followed by Keith's NAFI MentorLIVE Presentation January 17th!

 

Dr. Keith Roxo is a TOPGUN trained adversary pilot turned Aerospace Medicine physician with over 2000 hours in high performance aircraft including the F/A-18, F-16 and F-5. He holds multiple military flight instructor qualifications, an airline transport pilot certificate and CFII. He is board certified in Aerospace and Occupational medicine and is a FAA Senior HIMS AME. Keith provides aviation medical consulting with Wingman Med.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

IT'S GIVING TUESDAY! Please consider supporting the NAFI Annual Fund. Click Here!

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Discover the gripping account of flight instructor Nathan Ballard's encounter with a stupefied flight student. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges instructors may face during flight training and the invaluable knowledge gained from these intense situations.

For more details and tips from Nathan, view his YouTube account of his experience here.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Want to Earn FAA Wings Credit for listening? Click Here

Watch the original MentorLIVE: Click Here -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Cross controlled: what does that really mean? Skidded turns: what really happens and how do we avoid them? When can a slip be a life-saving maneuver? I’ve stalled in a slip: “What now?” Can we turn in a slip? How can I control speed in a slip? What’s different between a forward slip and a side slip? What about slipping with flaps? Join Mark and Brian as they dig into these questions and separate fact from fiction.

 

Mark King is a full-time flight instructor at a well-known Southern California flight school, CP Aviation in Santa Paula. Over 3000 of his 8000 hours of dual given have been devoted to emergency maneuver training (UPRT), tailwheel, and aerobatics. He holds an FAA Gold Seal flight instructor certificate with single, multi, and instrument ratings and Master CFI (Aerobatic) designation. Mark has extensive Alaska flying experience, has provided training for Federal, State, and County agencies in UPRT, and has taught UPRT and aerobatics in Europe. Mark is also a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP) and an active member of the International Aerobatic Club and participates in competitive aerobatics in a Pitts S2B and flies a Beech Bonanza and a Cessna 140 for pleasure.

 

Brian Schiff is a major airline captain. Schiff’s roots are deeply planted in general aviation where he has flown a wide variety of aircraft (97 types). His total flying time exceeds 20,000 hours. He is on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and is a 35-year Gold Seal flight instructor and FAA Safety Team Representative.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Want to Earn FAA Wings Credit for listening? Click Here Join us on a thought-provoking journey that intertwines aviation safety and personal growth. Explore the fascinating connections and uncover the valuable lessons worth embracing. Learn how aviation safety practices can shape our mindset, decision-making, and overall approach towards life. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to gain a fresh perspective through aviation safety! Gregory Feith is a former Senior Air Safety Investigator and “Go-Team” captain with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and has investigated well over 2500 general aviation, business/corporate and air transport (commercial air carrier) aircraft incidents and accidents worldwide during his 40 years as an aircraft accident investigator and aviation safety expert. He has won numerous NTSB and aviation industry awards including the Aviation Week and Space Technology Laurel Award in 1996 for his leadership in the investigation of the ValuJet DC-9 crash, the 2001 ERAU Distinguished Alumni Award for "extraordinary distinction and success in the field of aviation and achievements;" and the SAFE Association, Michael R. Grost Award for “outstanding contribution in the field of accident investigation.”

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

This episode is sponsored by: Sirius XM Aviation Weather

Now through the end of the year get a $300 rebate and 3 months free of SiriusXM Weather Entertainment!

Go to sportys.com/GDL52 to learn more

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Learn new teaching techniques to help students better understand aviation weather and safely apply the knowledge in an operational capacity.

Dr. Terry Lankford is a pilot, flight instructor, and weather educator.

Gary Pokodner is Program Manager for the FAA’s NextGen Weather Technology in the Cockpit (WTIC) Program. In this role, Gary has been working to identify new research efforts related to bringing weather information into the cockpit.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Guinness World Record holder and CFII Spencer Suderman discusses the importance of slipping stalls, spin phases, slipping to touchdown in crosswinds, turning slips, and the possibility of the “impossible turn”.

Spencer Suderman is a CFII, air show pilot, and two-time Guinness World Record breaker for performing the most inverted flat spins. Suderman teaches upset prevention and recovery training and aerobatics in St. Augustine, Florida. His latest project is producing a video series for Sporty’s instructing Cessna pilots how to improve their basic airmanship skills. Suderman’s YouTube channel is filled with educational and entertaining videos: View Spencer's Youtube Page

Spencer's Sporty's Youtube Series

Register for the NAFI Summit: www.NAFIsummit.org

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Ready to Take Your CFI Experience to New Heights? The National Association of Flight Instructors CFI Summit is Here to Make It Happen!" Whether you're an aspiring CFI, a seasoned veteran, or somewhere in between, the CFI Summit is where you should be. Learn all about the topics, themes, and speakers that will shape this year's event, and get inspired to improve your skills, network with peers, and grow in your career. Tune in today!

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Join NAFI Editor Beth Stanton in her latest installment of Writers Behind the Stories, as she interviews contributing author Patrick Howell about his aviation background and writing process. Howell is an expert on aviation safety, and his work has appeared in Mentor Magazine among others. Tune in to learn more about his experiences, inspirations, and writing tips.

About Patrick Howell:  Patrick Howell is a CFI/CFII/MEI, CSIP, and NAFI Associate Master Flight Instructor. He is a former B-52H Stratofortress instructor navigator. Howell teaches with Revv Aviation at KCBF in Council Bluffs, Iowa. When he’s not teaching, he’s remembering how to use his feet again in a 1947 Aeronca Champ. Howell is glad he’s finally found a use for that English degree he got in college.

The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) has recognized Lt. Col. Herbert W. (Bill) Powley, USAF (Ret.), as the 2023 inductee into the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame. Powley joins an elite group of individuals who have been recognized for their significant contributions to flight instruction.

Powley graduated from the Air Force Academy and served more than 23 years as a fighter pilot, flight instructor, and test pilot, including two tours in Vietnam flying 347 missions in the F-4 and A-7. After his retirement from the Air Force in 1991, Powley continued to share his passion for aviation by volunteering his time to train pilots. He founded FLIGHT Foundation (Flight Lesson Instructional Grants Helping Teens) and has personally raised over $1.9 million. He has flown almost 12,000 students on more than 4,000 discovery flights, most of which were free. Powley has been an active member and leader in many aviation organizations, including the Air Force Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association and NAFI. 

In 2010 he received the A Scott Crossfield Aerospace Science Teacher of the Year Award from the National Aviation Hall of Fame. The Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame (TAHOF) created a special award to recognize him that same year (Tennessee Aviation Person of the Year). In 2011 he received Tennessee's highest aviation recognition -the Career Contributions to Aviation Award and, in 2013, was inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall-of-Fame.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Podcast listeners can get a $10 discount to NAFI memberships by using Discount Code: POD49

This episode is sponsored by: Lightspeed Aviation

Learn more about the NAFI Exclusive Benefit combining the Trade Up Program and the CFI/Pro Pilot Program

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In this episode we are joined by Tammy Barlette, a U.S. Air Force instructor pilot veteran who translated her experiences into a mental performance course for pilots. Listen as we discuss her mental model, trade a few stories, and learn about her online course. Check out more information about Tammy and her course at https://tammybarlette.com/. 

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

NAFI Summit Information: https://nafisummit2023.org/

This episode is sponsored by: PilotSafety.org

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Free for any instructor or future ground and flight instructor that wants to learn, AND HELP SHARE YOUR TIPS, along with the top tips from others, to help your learners become much safer pilots. Gary "GPS" Guy in the Pink Shirt Reeves, is a lead rep for the FAA Safety Team and the 2019 FAA National CFI of the Year with two decades and >8,300 hours of real-world experience.

 

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

NAFI Summit Information: https://nafisummit2023.org/

This episode is sponsored by: Icom Add Before Flight

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The training you received to stay far away from thunderstorms is the wrong approach! It will lead you down the primrose path to falling into a deadly trap in the future. Yes, thunderstorms are dangerous, but it doesn’t take a supercell thunderstorm to ruin your day. The goal is to minimize your exposure to deep, moist convection. In this webinar, we will look at the seldom explored dangers of the towering cumulus stage of the thunderstorm life cycle. Founder of EZWxBrief, Dr. Scott Dennstaedt is a nationally-known expert in aviation weather. He has worked as a meteorologist for the last 40 years has a doctorate in Infrastructures and Environmental Systems from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). With a background as a meteorologist, commercial pilot, and experienced CFI with 4,000 logged hours over the last 25 years, he offers a unique approach to teaching general aviation pilots how to minimize their exposure to adverse weather. He is a widely published aviation author that includes his new book, The Skew-T log (p) and Me: A Primer for Pilots and is a contributing editor for FLYING magazine. In his spare time Scott volunteers as EAA's subject matter expert on weather.

 

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

This episode is sponsored by: Sirius XM Aviation Weather

Get a 2 month FREE Trial of XM Aviation weather: aopa.org/siriusxm --------------------------------------------------------------------

Improve your customers’ training outcomes with these proven best practices and guidelines. This session focuses on practical, real-world techniques that make your simulator more valuable to both your customers and your business.

Josh Harnagel currently serves as Vice President, Marketing for Redbird Flight Simulations, an Austin Texas-based flight training technology company. He oversees a team that is responsible for marketing, communications, and product development. He has held a number of key positions at Redbird in the 10 years he has been with the company and has been instrumental in the explosive growth that Redbird has experienced since its inception.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

This episode is sponsored by: Sporty's

NAFI members enjoy 20% off of select Sporty's training products and Sporty's eFIRC is free. --------------------------------------------------------------------

Don't miss this exclusive interview with air show pilot and CFI Spencer Suderman as he talks with NAFI Mentor Magazine Editor Beth Stanton about his aviation career.

About Spencer Suderman:

Spencer Suderman is not only one of the most exciting air show performers on the planet, he is also a Guinness World Record holder! On March 20, 2016, Spencer flew the Sunbird S-1x, an experimental variant of the Pitts S-1 biplane to an altitude of 24,500′ in the restricted airspace over the Barry M. Goldwater Range in Yuma, Arizona then entered an inverted flat spin. At an altitude of 2,000′ the recovery was initiated and the Sunbird smoothly returned to level flight at 1,200′. A new world record of 98 inverted flat spins crushed the previous Guinness World Record of 81 that Spencer set in 2014.

Spencer began flying while in college in the late 1980’s and quickly advanced from private pilot to commercial pilot with an instrument rating. In 2002 he became a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to teach pilots how to be safer though upset recovery training.  In 2006 Spencer performed in his first airshow and now holds an FAA unrestricted Statement of Aerobatic Competency (SAC) card allowing him to perform solo and formation aerobatics down to surface level.

While working on his instrument rating in 2000, Spencer discovered that aerobatics are amazingly fun and quickly lost interest in merely flying straight and level. After attending numerous aerobatic contests in the Super Decathlon aerobatic trainer rented from a local flight school he moved up to the high performance Pitts S-2B. He’s been performing in air shows since 2006 and the plane was dubbed the “Meteor Pitts” because it shoots across the sky with its unique hot rod style flame paint scheme.

Spencer’s air show performance uniquely showcases the capabilities of the Meteor Pitts Biplane with Intense gyroscopic maneuvers like the Double Hammerhead and the Inverted Flat Spin with its signature corkscrew smoke trail as the plane drops towards the ground at over 6000′ feet per minute spinning like a Frisbee!

Spencer enjoys entertaining the audience with this amazing airplane and sharing flight with incentive rides. His enthusiasm for flight is infectious and he’s proud of the people that have been motivated to get involved in aviation. Spencer enjoys producing videos about flying that give the viewer a sense of being in the cockpit going along for the ride!  Check out Spencer’s videos on Youtube

When not flying Spencer works in information technology (IT) and lives in Florida with his wife, children, and two dogs. His educational background includes an MBA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York. Education is the most important pursuit any human can undertake and Spencer speaks from experience when encouraging young people to pursue learning with passion.

 

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Episode Sponsor Pilot Edge, visit their website (www.pilotedge.net) for more information on SimVenture July 13th through 16th

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Recurrent Training is a rerun of a previous episode of More Right Rudder

For three years in a row PilotEdge has been proud to present SimVenture which is similar to the flight procedures associated with EAA’s famous EAA® AirVenture® Oshkosh™ ¹ and allows pilots to fly into Oshkosh, with actual Oshkosh air traffic controllers, using a flight simulator.

Each year, over 10,000 aircraft flock to Oshkosh, Wisconsin’s Wittman Regional Airport for EAA’s AirVenture event. In order for Oshkosh’s airport to accommodate such an influx of air traffic throughout the week, EAA works closely with the FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association to publish specific VFR arrival and departure procedures which pilots are required to follow.

These specific VFR procedures are published in a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) and require pilots to conduct non-standard approaches and maneuvers into and out of the airport, while listening to fast-paced air traffic control and flying closer to other aircraft than most pilots have ever flown before.

PilotEdge’s SimVenture event is similar to EAA’s actual AirVenture event thus giving pilots an experience that is comparable to flying into and out of Oshkosh using the real NOTAM procedures.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

This episode is sponsored by: Icom Add Before Flight

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Learn the top 5 mistakes that GOOD CFIIs make when teaching IFR.  A must-attend class for any current or future instrument instructor that wants their students to learn more, finish faster, and be safer pilots. A special presentation hosted by NAFI with the 2019 FAA National CFI of the Year, Gary “GPS”, Guy in the Pink Shirt, Reeves Gary "GPS" Reeves, has >8,300hours as an ATP and Master Instructor.  He is the 2019 FAA National CFI of the Year and trains clients all over the US.

 

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

In this fascinating video, we hear from Randall Williams about his experiences navigating the ocean as a sailor and the skies as a pilot. Discover the parallels between these two worlds and what it takes to excel in both.

For more interesting stories from Randall, see his most recent NAFI NOTAMs blog post here.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org Visit Advancing Aviation at: https://advancingaviation.com/

Kimberly Dawn is a Canadian Class 1 Flight Instructor with international certifications in Aviation Training Management, Advanced Instruction and Virtual Classroom Instruction. Owner of Advancing Aviation and the Facebook Top Instructors and Students Group.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

This episode is sponsored by: NAFI Summit 2023

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This is a special new format for the MRR Podcast, hosted by NAFI Director of Publications and Editor Beth Stanton.

With each release of a new Mentor Magazine (every other month), Beth will pick a regular contributing author to join the podcast and discuss their article, as well as their personal journey as flight instructors and what originally brought them to NAFI as members.

 

About Boots:

Boots is my full name. It’s not a nickname. I was born and grew up in Hollywood, California, which usually is enough of an explanation. It’s the only name on my driver’s license, FAA certificates and passport. I obtained my private pilot certificate in about 1968, my instrument, commercial and multiengine about three years later, and my CFI, CFII and multiengine CFI around 20 years ago. I also obtained my A&P certificate with an IA about 25 years ago. Most of my flying was based at the Van Nuys Airport (KVNY), and I owned a Cardinal RG for about 10 years. I’ve flown in many parts of the world, including Central America, Africa and Europe, but never actually flew or wrenched for a living. I was on the Rare Bear racing team when we were winning at Reno. I am still active as a flight instructor and live in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Hosted by NAFI Director of Publications and Editor Beth Stanton.

"The Writers Behind the Stories" series will feature guests who author the articles in NAFI's Mentor magazine. 

With each release of a new Mentor magazine (every other month), you will get to know the people behind the pens as Beth interviews authors on the podcast. 

You will discover the stories behind the stories as writers discuss how they came up with the ideas for their articles and why they decided to finally write them down. You will also learn about their journey as flight instructors and what they've learned along the way. You won't want to miss these informative and entertaining episodes as you get a sneak peek behind the editorial curtain.

NEXT WEEK'S EPISODE GUEST: Mr. Boots

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Podcast listeners can get a $10 discount to NAFI memberships by using Discount Code: POD49

This episode is sponsored by: Garmin

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Welcome to the SimVenture 2024 bonus episode! In this episode, we are joined by Kevin Meyers of PilotEdge to talk about the details of this year's SimVenture. It's a great overview of why and how you can participate, even if you aren't flying into AirVenture. There are also some fun new features to SimVenture this year you won't want to miss out on. 

Check out all of the details about SimVenture 2024!

 

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

This episode is sponsored by: Avemco Insurance Company

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In this episode we welcome Assistant Underwriting Manager at Avemco Insurance Company Luke Barnette to discuss all things insurance, and more specifically flight instructor liability insurance. What is it? Why should you consider having it? And how to keep yourself protected?

We also discuss what happens if you have a claim, and how the process works behind the scene to help the pilots navigate a stressful time.

For those not familiar, Luke explains some common misconceptions behind aviation insurance, and flight instructor liabilities.

Finally, Luke opens up the Avemco claim files to discuss some of the interesting situations they have had reported

Luke Barnette is Assistant Underwriting Manager for Avemco Insurance Company. Luke joined Avemco in 2007. He says "what I love about Avemco is the great diversity of people you get to deal with. There are the young folks just starting out in aviation, the people who fly for business, and the older pilots who've been flying for decades. It's a wonderful mix." He devotes his free time to hunting and fishing in the woods and lakes of Maryland.

 

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This episode is sponsored by: NAFI Summit 2023

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Everything we do learning to fly, we do for a reason—but it’s not always the reason you might think. In this program we’ll look at two Federal regulations and two training maneuvers and explore the real reasons they exist and are taught.

The goal is to develop insights that will make it easier to present these topics to your students and clients, and to reinforce the relevance of knowing these rules and maneuvers as they apply to everyday flight.

The topics we’ll cover include:

• VFR flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements • The Lazy 8 Commercial Pilot maneuver • Minimum safe altitudes • The VMC Demonstration for pilots of piston twins

Thomas P. Turner is an ATP and Flight Instructor with CFII and MEI ratings. A NAFI Flight Instructor Hall of Fame inductee, Tom has over 4,600 hours with 2,600 dual given, specializing in type-specific transition and recurrent training in high performance singles and light twins.

He is the 2010 National FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year and the 2008 FAA Central Region CFI of the Year, and holds a Master’s Degree in Aviation Safety. Tom directs the education and safety arm of a 9,000-member pilots’ organization and publishes the free FLYING LESSONS Weekly blog at www.mastery-flight-training.com. Tom writes, lectures and instructs extensively from his home at THE AIR CAPITAL--Wichita, Kansas.

 

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

This episode is sponsored by: Sporty's

NAFI members enjoy 20% off of select Sporty's training products and Sporty's eFIRC is free. --------------------------------------------------------------------

Starting and running a flight school without losing your shirt can be a challenge. Learn directly from a flight school owner, the secret of his success. Everything from the wild potential of the freedom of part 61 training to the formal and highly regulated career track world of part 141 including accepting VA benefits for primary training, will be covered in this talk.

Tim Poole is Co-Owner and Chief Everything Officer of GT Aviation, LLC.  He holds Commercial ASEL and AMEL pilot certificates with Instrument rating, and is an FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic with Inspection Authorization privileges.  He's the guy some call "crazy" for operating a flight school inside the most restrictive airspace in the US -- the Flight Restricted Zone around Washington, DC.  Aside from flight school ownership, Tim has spent the last 20+ years as a federal contractor supporting various DoD and federal Intelligence Community customers.  When not flying or turning wrenches, he currently serves as President of Cyber Technology Services, Inc.

 

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

This episode is sponsored by: Sirius XM Aviation Weather

Get a 2 month FREE Trial of XM Aviation weather: aopa.org/siriusxm --------------------------------------------------------------------

Today's Guest is Founder and CEO of ICARUS Devices Nick Sinopoli (https://www.icarusdevices.com/). We discuss with Nick what the ICARUS view limiting device is and how he developed the idea and working prototype.  Listeners can get a 10% discount of ICARUS devices through April 21st using discount code NAFI.

The ICARUS Device uses Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) film to electronically alter the pilots visibility, bringing the power of a simulator into your aircraft. The app allows the instructor to surprise their students with degraded visual conditions. Instructors can control the transition rate and track simulated IMC time. The ICARUS Device will be to able integrate hypothetical weather scenarios into your tablet’s flight program. Once airborne, the visor will mimic whatever scenario you made up on the ground, all in real time.

Austin native Nick Sinopoli is the Founder, Inventor and Managing Partner of the Icarus Device, which he patented in 2016. After a friend perished in an aviation accident, Nick was determined to make a revolutionary invention that would teach pilots to survive flight into low visibility. His creation is the most advanced flight training tool ever imagined. A dual rated aviator, Nick has had a lifelong love of aviation. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. Nick has logged time in Cessna, Piper and Cirrus aircraft, as well as gliders, Bell 206, EC145, T-6B and UH-60A/L/M variants. In his free time he enjoys flying, running, restoring old cars and spending time with his four nephews.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

For more information on Aerox Oxygen Systems and to learn more about their products see: www.aerox.com/

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For this episode, we sit down with President and CEO of Aerox Oxygen Systems Scott Ashton to discuss common misconceptions of aviation oxygen, the history of the 12,500 O2 regulation, and why commercially available canned "shots" of oxygen can do more harm than good when used in the cockpit.  Just remember "It's Toxic to be Hypoxic"

 

About Aerox:

From portable systems to highly engineered systems on Part 25 aircraft, Aerox® has a system for you to deliver high performance at an economical cost.  

Since 1981 we have been providing the aviation industry with innovative solutions for all of its oxygen needs. While our comprehensive website is representative of many of the products that Aerox offers, if you don’t see exactly what you are looking for, please contact us.

Aerox is certified to ISO9001:2015 and AS9100D.  We offer a wide array of TSO oxygen masks and PMA oxygen cylinders in both Kevlar and Steel and operate FAA Repair Station YXQR567B

We offer a complete line of stock or custom systems, parts, and accessories. We are a provider of OEM systems, serving Diamond, Agusta, Piper, and many others. We can also design any kind of emergency or portable system, for use in the air or on the ground. Contact us to let us know how we can help you.

Aerox is family owned and operated by the Ashton Family.  CEO Scott Ashton is an aerospace engineer and an accomplished pilot with an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.  He s rated in airplanes, gliders and helicopters.  He is also an active flight instructor and FAAST Team rep.  Scott was also President of the New England Air Museum and is a board member and volunteer pilot for PALS SkyHope.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Happy 60th Episode with brand new opening music and an end to Season 1 of the Podcast!

To celebrate we welcome Andrew Kisela and Graham Bostrom to the MRR Pod. Graham and Andrew are prime examples of how flight instruction helps build a solid foundation for accelerating your career to other aspects of aviation, Part 121 Airline and Part 135/91 Corporate flying respectively. 

They share their thoughts on the aviation industry as a whole, how they achieved their goals in the profession, and how their time as flight instructors played and continues to play a pivotal role in their growth and success as aviators.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org Vist San Carlos Flight Center: https://sancarlosflight.com/ Join the movement, officially finish your CFI today: https://sancarlosflight.com/training/cfi-finishing-school

Join our talk with Dan Dyer of San Carlos Flight Center to discuss their unique program they call "CFI Finishing School."  Described as a "deep dive into aerodynamics until you absolutely can understand it, and more importantly can teach it. A program that creates a real understanding, beyond the rote answers required for the FAA Knowledge Test."

SCFC goal is to also show you tips for how flight instruction should unfold in the aircraft to make your students reach their full pilot competency. What first fundamentals are critical to a student’s first few flights? How you can take even basic maneuvers and use them to make your students better at landing? Why the sequencing and grouping of flight education is important. It’s a whole week of things you should have learned but likely weren’t taught in your quick CFI program.

Director of Operations at SCFC, Dan Dyer has dedicated much of the last two decades to aviation, first in helicopters and then in airplanes.  He has been an instructor for more than 15 years, and is known for his effective safety seminars.  Dan originated SCFC’s  founding principle and motto: safety, community, and adventure.  His enthusiasm for learning has helped to make SCFC the fastest growing flight school in the Bay Area.

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Send your column questions to rightseat@nafinet.org

Get to know the aviation experts behind NAFI Mentor Magazine’s brand new column, the Right Seat! Labeled as “Dear Abby” for pilots, consider Jen Watson, Dana McIlwain, and Josh Watson as your lifeline when you’re stumped by a question or need some advice.

Learn about how this brand new column came to be, how you can participate by getting your questions answered, and what drives each of these three to pursue excellence in their fields.

 

 

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

 

This is something you either have never or very seldom heard. Several accidents have occurred as a result of helicopter wake turbulence to fixed wing aircraft. This session will the impact of helicopter wake turbulence on fixed wing aircraft both in the VFR environment and the IFR environment.  

Ned Parks' aviation roots date back to his cousin, Oliver Parks who started the 1st certified aviation school in the US in 1927. He flew UH-1 helicopters in the Army, and has run several full service FBO’s. He holds ATP/CFII and is rated in both fixed and rotor wing. Ned is FAASTeam member with 4,700+ flight hours. He owns Aegis 360 Consulting, a global provider of staff development services, business consulting, and strategy. He also runs WWW.ThePilotsGrind.com a web site and blog dedicated to learning something new in aviation over a cup of coffee.

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

 

Scholarship Information Link: https://kingschools.com/king-schools-nafi-scholarship-information

 

Special Thanks to King Schools for their continued Support of NAFI and our Members!

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

Podcast listeners can get a $10 discount to NAFI memberships by using Discount Code: POD49

This episode is sponsored by: Avemco Insurance Company

Learn more about the NAFI CFI Insurance Plan

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In this episode, we have the pleasure of introducing Sarah Staudt, the new Program Development Manager at NAFI!

Join us as we learn about what led Sarah to join NAFI and her plans for the future. Additionally, we bid farewell to John Niehaus, the previous Program Director, as he passes the torch to Sarah.

Don't miss this exciting transition at NAFI!

Join NAFI: www.nafinet.org

 

Everyone thinks they are a safe pilot. Yet pilots continue to crash airplanes, for the same reasons again and again and again. As instructors, we’re not consistent in how we teach pilots to maximize their chances of an accident-free lifetime of flying. A shift in the way we teach safety concepts can make a huge difference in accident rates.

Safety isn’t a strategy, it is an outcome. It is the result of developing and maintaining mastery and command of the airplane, the environment and yourself. This presentation goes far beyond telling pilots what not to do to avoid mishaps; it inspires positive motivation and provides specific techniques and ideas you can teach your students to use on every flight, so they can develop mastery and command for a lifetime of flying.

Thomas P. Turner is an ATP and Flight Instructor with CFII and MEI ratings. A NAFI Flight Instructor Hall of Fame inductee, Tom has over 4,600 hours with 2,600 dual given, specializing in type-specific transition and recurrent training in high performance singles and light twins.

He is the 2010 National FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year and the 2008 FAA Central Region CFI of the Year, and holds a Master’s Degree in Aviation Safety.

Tom is Chairman of the Type Club Coalition Transition Training working group. In addition, he directs the education and safety arm of a 9,000-member pilots’ organization and publishes the free FLYING LESSONS Weekly blog at www.mastery-flight-training.com. Tom writes, lectures and instructs extensively from his home at THE AIR CAPITAL--Wichita, Kansas.

Join the NAFI family here: www.nafinet.org

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Karen Kalishek is a Designated Pilot Examiner, three time NAFI Master Instructor, CFI, CFII, MEI, CFI-G, AGI, IGI, FAA Gold Seal Instructor and FAASTeam Lead Representative. She holds an ATP certificate and has ASES and Glider Commercial privileges. In 2019, Karen was honored to received the National FAASTeam Representative of the Year award. She has held officer positions in and is actively involved with several aviation organizations. She is also a Major in the Civil Air Patrol, serving as a CAP volunteer flight instructor, check pilot, examiner, mission pilot and cadet orientation pilot. She is an independent flight instructor, has a particular fondness for antique aircraft and enjoys spending quality time with her RV-6. Before becoming a full-time flight instructor, she was an executive in the banking industry, taught graduate school, and as president of her own corporation, spent over 20 years providing international consulting services in 37 countries.

 

Join the NAFI family here: www.nafinet.org

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Age-related changes in cognitive functions essential for flight include perceptual processing, some aspects of memory, and psychomotor control. Cognitive functions not clearly affected by age involve information processing, problem-solving, decision making, and time-sharing. Flight instructors must be able to assess the possible negative effects of aging and assist the older pilot in maintaining both proficiency and safety. We discuss how this can be done.

Dr. Victor Vogel is a board-certified and fellowship-trained medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer prevention and treatment. He obtained his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine, completed his residency at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, and his fellowship in medical oncology at the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center. Dr. Vogel has also served as the National Vice President for Research at the American Cancer Society. He became a private pilot in 1980, progressing to CFI in 2019 and CFII in 2020. Dr. Vogel is also an AGI and IGI. He has owned a Beech Sierra in the past and most recently a Cirrus SR22 for the past 15 years. He has flown to 40 of the 50 states and serves as a FAASTeam Representative for the Harrisburg FSDO. He is a member of the IFR Magazine Editorial Board. Nearing retirement, Dr. Vogel plans to become a full-time flight instructor and is the founder of Susquehanna STEM to the Skies, an educational foundation that will utilize a full-motion advanced aviation training device as a means to introduce high school youth to aviation as a career opportunity.

Join the NAFI family here: www.nafinet.org

More information on this episode's sponsor King Schools: Kingschools.com

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In this episode we talk about a document NAFI sends out to future CFI checkride applicants that has some tips and tricks to instructional success and checkride success. NAFI Program Director discusses these tips and adds some input on what he has found helpful for CFI candidates he has trained previously.